Author Topic: Scratch Build Donkey Kong MAME Cab (completed 10/23/09) (Read 22762 times)

Sledgehammer · « **on:** September 15, 2009, 01:32:16 am »

I started on my third cab a few days ago. Some of you may recall I just finished a Donkey Kong themed bartop a few weeks ago (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=95934.0).

Well, I had a gallon of blue Donkey Kong paint laying around, so I figured what the hell…let’s scratch build a full size DK cabinet.
Now, before everyone gets all heated over this…let me be clear…my skills are limited! So, I will do my best to make this thing look as close to real as possible, but based on my talents, and the fact that no one that will ever see if will ever know if it looks like a real DK or not (other than you folks!), I am just going to try and have fun with this. I got the plans from Jakobud and am trying to remain faithful to original dimensions where I can…but if I’m off a ¼” here and an 1/8” there….that is ok with me. I have seen some sick restores and scratch builds posted here and elsewhere and I commend any of you folks that have done that work because it takes some real skill to pull it off!

Ok…so this will be a MAME cab of course, with two player controls, six buttons each. I have the Mini-Pac, Sanwa ball top sticks, and buttons coming in this week. I am also going to add a Happ coin door and will rig it up to function off quarters (just because it sounds fun). Just won that on ebay and hope to see it by the end of this week as well. Once the cab is built I will order my art from mamemarquees.com and then begin paint.

I am still debating on the monitor. I usually use a 19” dell Ultrasharp LCD, but the size of this cab is begging for something a little bigger. I refuse to use a CRT due to weight and such…so maybe I will just get a 20” LCD for now.

Here are some pics of where I started and how far along I am so far:

Side cut out of 3/4” MDF:

Attaching the bottom:

Attaching the left side:

Test fitting the base and casters:

Painting the base:

Base attached:

On her feet for the first time:

Test fitting the front panel…soon to be cut out for the coin door. Also you can see my other two cabs in the background:

And here is where I’m at today:

Coin door cutout is next, then front panel (with slots for speaker) and CP are next up.

Will try to keep putting updates out as I move along.

Jason

GaryMcT · « **Reply #1 on:** September 15, 2009, 02:31:20 am »

Cool! I'm definitely watching. I want to do a scratch build at some point.

emphatic · « **Reply #2 on:** September 15, 2009, 05:03:42 am »

That shape is probably the sexiest of all mass produced cab out there.

Encryptor · « **Reply #3 on:** September 15, 2009, 06:03:22 am »

Looking very nice! Keep the pics coming.

Quote from: emphatic on September 15, 2009, 05:03:42 am

That shape is probably the sexiest of all mass produced cab out there.

While I do love the shape of these cabs the Tron cab is a bit sexier for me.

Encryptor

jmike · « **Reply #4 on:** September 15, 2009, 07:24:57 am »

looks great so far. Will definitely keep an eye on this one.
Keep the pics coming.

severdhed · « **Reply #5 on:** September 15, 2009, 02:27:25 pm »

awesome. keep posting lots of pics...it is so awesome to see all of the DK projects on here lately...they are inspiring me to make mine better

Sledgehammer · « **Reply #6 on:** September 15, 2009, 07:27:02 pm »

Thanks for the feedback guys!

I have a quick question for you all.

I just cut my CP out of 1/2" MDF. I am thinking of going 1/2" MDF with 1/4" of plexi on top (and artwork sandwiched between).

The question is....if I use 1/2" MDF plus 1/4" Plexi (for a 3/4" thick CP), and router my t-moulding groove dead center of the sandwiched pieces, will the 3/4" T-moulding I am using for the sides of the cab have a flush fit/look?

On my last cab I just routed the 1/2" MDF and used 1/2" T moulding, and then 1/8" plexi on top. The plexi edge is showing (i.e. the t-moulding doesn't cover it).

Will the plan I mentioned above work out or should I just leave the exposed plexi edge?

Hope I am making sense here.

Thanks

J

severdhed · « **Reply #7 on:** September 15, 2009, 07:32:57 pm »

thats how i did my control panel..only i used 5/8" MDF and 1/8" plexi, 3/4" tmolding worked great

Ryglore · « **Reply #8 on:** September 15, 2009, 08:36:33 pm »

Awesome work! Can't wait to see how it progresses

Quote from: emphatic on September 15, 2009, 05:03:42 am

That shape is probably the sexiest of all mass produced cab out there.

I'm still partial to the Xevious and Centipede cabs.

javeryh · « **Reply #9 on:** September 15, 2009, 09:23:27 pm »

The t-molding is 9/16" all the way around - for my CP I went with 1/2" MDF + 1/16" ABS black plastic. Worked great.

You are really doing a great job so far!

severdhed · « **Reply #10 on:** September 15, 2009, 11:38:53 pm »

Quote from: javeryh on September 15, 2009, 09:23:27 pm

The t-molding is 9/16" all the way around - for my CP I went with 1/2" MDF + 1/16" ABS black plastic. Worked great.

You are really doing a great job so far!

maybe on a real DK...but he made this one out of 3/4" MDF for the sides...so he will need larger t molding

jmike · « **Reply #11 on:** September 16, 2009, 08:27:57 am »

Great job so far. Can't wait to see the finished product.

You're definitely in good hands with "Severdhead" and "Javeryh" (awesome work guys). What most people usually recommend is using a scrap piece of wood and making a couple of t-molding grooves until you're happy with the location. That's actually what I did.

Sledgehammer · « **Reply #12 on:** September 16, 2009, 12:32:13 pm »

Thanks for the kind words and advice guys.

I cut my CP out yesterday and printed a black and white sample of the overlay I am considering (photo attached). I stole the art from an earlier thread on this site so thanks to the OP that provided it the first time.

I am happy with the layout and I think there is enough room for some comfortable two player play (CP width is 22 1/4").

I am considering removing the black instruction card that is in the upper left corner. I removed it with MS Paint (see attached color photo) but now the area in the upper left is sort of bare.

Any suggestions for what I can put there? Maybe another Nintendo Logo? I thought maybe I could put some admin buttons (pause and escape) but what I originally was planning was hide those admin buttons underneath the speaker grill section (on the 2 1/2" piece that joins the front panel and the speaker panel).

I am interested in your opinions on this...

Epyx · « **Reply #13 on:** September 16, 2009, 01:33:16 pm »

Quote

I am considering removing the black instruction card that is in the upper left corner. I removed it with MS Paint (see attached color photo) but now the area in the upper left is sort of bare.

Why not leave it for appearance and just change the content to match your own requirements? That way you make it look that much more authentic but still have it meet your unique requirements.

Sledgehammer · « **Reply #14 on:** September 16, 2009, 01:54:54 pm »

The problem I am having is that when I print the artwork out to my scale the content of the black instruction section in the upper left is not legible. I used this same artwork for my bartop and you can't read what the instructions say.

I figured on this new cab I would just remove it all together.

Maybe the problem is that I am not printing it to a high enough quality. On my bartop I just had kinkos print the artwork out for me. Maybe if I send the file off to mamemarquees.com and they print it, the instruction card will be legible...

I'm just not sure and don't want to spend $20 to $30 to have it printed and find out it still doesn't look good!

Epyx · « **Reply #15 on:** September 16, 2009, 03:44:32 pm »

Good point although it's probably only the resolution of the original image...im sure a re-scanned/better capture would be fine but your statement is correct and if you prefer the aesthetics without the image then just stick with that

javeryh · « **Reply #16 on:** September 16, 2009, 04:22:47 pm »

Honestly, if I were you I'd do a complete redesign of the CP art instead of trying to shoehorn bits from the original into a 2 player 6-button layout which was never intended. You could keep the colors and even the style but I would do more than just rearrange existing graphics. With Photoshop you are only limited by your imagination - for example, you could actually make the three characters in the lower right much larger but sort of transparent and overlapping the button holes... I don't know.

The art is probably the most important part of any cab so I wouldn't rush into anything. There are a lot of talented people in the artwork forum - maybe ask around there?

severdhed · « **Reply #17 on:** September 16, 2009, 04:58:22 pm »

i have the control panel overlay, and instruction cards in high quality PDF format if that would help you...see attached. I'm sure there are some good vector versions around too...

i agree with Javeryh..since you arent sticking with the original controls, dont limit yourself with the artwork. i just started working on making a new instruction card for mine...i want to keep the controls panel original, but i think i am going to make a custom instruction card to explain how to work everythign on my cab.

Chicken McNobody · « **Reply #18 on:** September 16, 2009, 07:49:21 pm »

Unless there is somebody out there with the exact same idea as me, that is my CPO that I made up. I have a super high quality copy available in PDF form that is over 9GB that you are more than welcome to. I got mine printed at MameMarquees, and the card is 100% clear and legible.

Also the extra white line at the bottom is to simulate T-Molding, my CP is metal, and it looked better this way than trying to Glue on real T-Molding, it is the exact same dimensions, so it blends perfectly. If you give me your measurements, I can resize it to exactly what you need. Mine is 22 1/4" long as well, and it's a comfortable but snug fit for two players. As long as you are playing with someone who won't get piffed if you brush shoulders from time to time in the heat of the game.

See "project" thread here

dweebs0r · « **Reply #19 on:** September 16, 2009, 08:58:28 pm »

Great start. I will be following this thread. Here is one of my favorites: http://mariobrosarcade.blogspot.com/
Check this guys site out for inspiration. He did a DK3 and Mario Bros from scratch and they look perfect.

-D

Sledgehammer · « **Reply #20 on:** September 17, 2009, 01:49:18 am »

Chicken McNobody,

Yes...I stole your design. You are THE MAN and your cab is what inspired me to have a full size DK replica but have it run MAME with the 6 button layout!

If you could share the full file with me somehow, I would really appreciate it. I am going to work with Scott at Mamemarquees for my artwork so I would grately appreciate if you could share your CP file with me...then I can just order the marquee, bezel and side art all together from Scott as a package.

My CP dimensions are 8" by 22 1/4". I will be doing T-Moulding so I don't need the same extra white line as you had on your layout.

Thanks so much for offering your help...everyone on this forum is so helpful...it's a great group of guys on here!

Jason

Chicken McNobody · « **Reply #21 on:** September 17, 2009, 07:51:54 am »

Glad you like my work, thanks!

I can E-mail it to you, just PM your E-mail address to me, and I should have that all worked up within the next couple of days.

I have a question though. Since I had the metal control panel, I faked the idea of the original CP with the artwork being slightly smaller than the CP panel itself (hence the black border.) I wasn't going to do anything involving the top plexi layer. In other words, the CPO is the entire size of the CP area, rather than it being smaller and resting on top of the black painted piece of wood.

Which way would you prefer to have it sized? The reason I went with Metal is because the way the guy who started the cab had done it that way. I could have done wood, but it would have involved tearing apart the inside brackets to move them a little lower for a flush fit. I was OK with the metal since I could in the end make it look how I wanted.

Maybe some others can chime in here and let me know what the border dimensions should be, or you could figure it out based on your needs.

Also the Mario Bros/DK3 are what inspired my project, so it's like a domino effect right now I guess.

Sledgehammer · « **Reply #22 on:** September 17, 2009, 02:00:34 pm »

Thanks Chicken. I just PM'd you. Let me know if you got it...I provided my email address for you.

I was able to cut out the spot for my coin door today and check it for fitment. Here are some pics.

Jason

jmike · « **Reply #23 on:** September 17, 2009, 02:54:47 pm »

You're doing an awesome job. Keep those pics coming.

If I may ask where did you get the coin mechanism? I've been looking to buy one.

leapinlew · « **Reply #24 on:** September 17, 2009, 03:58:34 pm »

Any reason you didn't go with a Nintendo coin door?

Sledgehammer · « **Reply #25 on:** September 17, 2009, 04:10:31 pm »

I got the coin door off of eBay. It is a brand new Suzo Happ door with the coin mechs.

I went with this door rather than a nintendo door because I didn't want to restore a used door and I heard the Nintendo doors are hard to find.

Can you buy the Nintendo doors as a new assembly? Or is used the only option?

Jason

Chicken McNobody · « **Reply #26 on:** September 17, 2009, 06:49:38 pm »

CPO file sent, let me know if it works out for you. . .

I flattened it as a JPEG rather than send it out as a PDF, since that way it is only almost 4GB Vs. Almost 10GB. My E-mail is cheap and only allows up to 4GB attachments right now, so I would have send it from a different source if you would prefer the PDF. But hey, up until about a year ago, the had a 1GB cap, so it is getting better.

Swatwolf · « **Reply #27 on:** September 17, 2009, 09:53:01 pm »

Are you going to paint the DK colors as well??

Sledgehammer · « **Reply #28 on:** September 18, 2009, 03:22:24 pm »

I plan on painting it Donkey Kong blue because I have leftover paint from my bartop project. But...the few Donkey Kong red cabs I have seen are kind of appealing. Maybe I should try the red.

For the black paint on the interior and top, do you guys recommend flat or semi gloss paint?

Jason

Sledgehammer · « **Reply #29 on:** September 23, 2009, 03:03:53 pm »

Did some work on the cabinet this week. I cut the front panel and routed out the slots for the speaker grill. It took a few attempts and pushed my patience to a new level trying to cut these damn slots.

I drilled 1/4" holes and then used a 1/4" straight bit on the router to make the slot. It took three wasted front panels...including one that I proceeded to smash into pieces after I botched yet another slot cut.

Anyways, I got it done and mounted. I still need to file out the slots to make them smooth but I need to pickup a file to do that.

J

severdhed · « **Reply #30 on:** September 23, 2009, 03:11:32 pm »

looking good. i'm sure that speaker grill was alot of fun. the blue laminate is all chipped off of mine, i'm not looking forward to trying to repair that section

Sledgehammer · « **Reply #31 on:** September 23, 2009, 06:56:10 pm »

Ok, during my break today (AKA my 18 month old daughter's nap time) I was able to mount my admin panel and test fit my CP.

The admin panel is basically the strip that goes between the front panel that houses the coin door and the front panel with the speaker grill. From what I can tell on the original cab, this is just a filler piece to cover the gap between the two panels.

I figured it would be a nifty place to have my power, pause, and escape buttons hidden so they don't reside on the CP or the back of the cab.

I attached some shots.

Jason

severdhed · « **Reply #32 on:** September 23, 2009, 09:59:02 pm »

that panel seems like a perfect place for admin buttons...just be aware that while that location is out of site to you, those buttons will be very visible and very tempting to your 18month old daughter.

i thought about putting admin buttons there on mine...then my 8month old son walked over to the cabinet and started playing with the coin door....i quickly changed my mind.

Sledgehammer · « **Reply #33 on:** September 27, 2009, 10:14:58 pm »

@severdhed, thanks for the tip on the admin buttons. I will try my best to keep the kid away from them! My cab will reside in the garage and she doesn't get to play in there...

I was able to put the back together on my cab today. I did a top piece with handles, a bottom piece, and the door which has a Happ barrel lock with key.

I also bought the smoked lexan for the bezel, but it was to wide and tall to fit in the cab, so I routed a bit off the sides with my flush trim bit.....and now it is not wide enough and I have an ugly gap! So it's back to Tap Plastics tomorrow for yet another bezel.

I ordered my CP art, marquee and side art from Mamemarquees.com so I hope to have that soon...holding off ordering the bezel art until I get a bezel that fits properly and can give Scott the right dimensions!

Jason

Sledgehammer · « **Reply #34 on:** October 01, 2009, 02:40:01 pm »

Quick update:

Monitor has been mounted.

Primer and paint done.

T-moulding applied.

Need to start on the CP. Just received the CP artwork from Scott at Mamemarquees. I hope to have the marquee and side art this week as well.

Jason

leapinlew · « **Reply #35 on:** October 02, 2009, 12:28:50 am »

Is the inside of the speaker grill vents painted black on a DK? If not, they should be.

Looking good.

Epyx · « **Reply #36 on:** October 02, 2009, 12:49:13 am »

Aye looking really good!

Sledgehammer · « **Reply #37 on:** October 05, 2009, 10:22:42 pm »

Got alot of work done today so I thought I'd share some pics.

I managed to get the side art on last night, and today I cut my CP (big thank you to Chciken McNobody for his help on the artwork!), I installed the overlay and all the buttons. I am in the middle of wiring up the mini-pac right now. I also put on a few more of the decals (like the instruction card above the CP and the coin sticker by the speaker grille. Also mounted the marquee today...

Tomorrow I will work on the bezel and hopefully get this thing running by the weekend.

CP prior to overlay install:

Rear of the CP showing the MiniPac and wiring (to be completed):

CP:

Test fitting the CP in the cab:

A shot with the monitor in place. I am using some foamboard to surround the monitor. I will eventually make a bezel to cover the Dell logo and power button on the monitor:

Will post some more shots once I get the bezel in place.

Jason

Chicken McNobody · « **Reply #38 on:** October 05, 2009, 10:48:47 pm »

Looks like the cp image turned out great for you, is everything clean and legible?

Glad I could help with the file. I won't deny it warms my arcade heart to see my hard work, looking great on somebody elses hard work.

Sledgehammer · « **Reply #39 on:** October 05, 2009, 10:56:07 pm »

It came out great, the instruction card is 100% clear and ledgible. Thanks again!

J


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